Whittaker happy with shape he’s in
GETTY IMAGES UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker has shrugged off any concerns of rust ahead of his maiden title defence next month, declaring he is in the best shape of his career.
The New Zealand-born Australian is deep in preparation for a rematch against Yoel Romero at UFC 225 in Chicago, almost a year since his last appearance in the octagon when he outpointed the Cuban to claim the interim belt.
Whittaker (20-4) was subsequently elevated to undisputed champion after Georges St-Pierre vacated the title.
It has been a frustrating time since, with a knee injury and run of illnesses, including a serious case of the chickenpox, keeping him sidelined.
While the 27-year-old standup specialist can take plenty of confidence from being the only man in the UFC to beat Romero (13-2), stopping the 41-year-old powerhouse is a daunting challenge at the best of times – let alone coming off an 11-month lay-off.
Whittaker has no such con- cerns. ‘‘The Reaper’’ has spent the time upskilling in every department and is confident he has emerged as a better allround fighter.
‘‘This is probably the best I’ve felt in a long time. I really think the next time I step in there you’re going to see a different level of Rob Whittaker,’’ he told Stuff.
‘‘I’ve been working on everything.The training has been great but it’s time to get back in there, do my job and put on a show.’’
With Whittaker forced to withdraw from headlining the Perth card in February, Romero took his place and went about reminding everyone why he is regarded as the most destructive fighter in the division with a brutal KO of Luke Rockhold.
Renowned for his explosive power and Olympic-calibre wrestling, Romero changed his approach, limiting his takedown attempts and patiently waited in Rockhold’s boxing range before exploding with a flurry of punches.
‘‘I don’t think he’ll come out like he did with Rockhold. He can’t fight me like that, I’m a much different opponent.’’